By this time we know what Powermat devices do — they allow the wireless charging of your gadgets through the use of their mat-receiver combination. With that said, you can’t go wrong with purchasing the Portable Mat when you want to have this wireless charging system. So it all goes down to the receivers for the particular device that you have. You can opt to purchase the Powercube Universal Receiver as reviewed here but that’s really practical if you have a multitude of devices coming from different manufacturers which employ different connectors. Let’s say that you have an iPhone 4 that you want to charge like this. Powermat has the product for you in the form of their Receiver Case for iPhone 4 as reviewed here.

Unboxing & Presentation

So here’s what you get: everything comes in the signature black-and-green Powermat motif box, comlpete with the product images and the simple instructions as to how you’re supposed to use the case. Opening the box reveals a simple black plastic tray that contains the case itself. Underneath is the instruction manual, a thank-you-for-purchasing card and a zip-lock bag that has the micro USB-to-USB cable.

Features

Protective case covers the iPhone 4 and allows it to charge wirelessly on any Powermat charging mat

Simply place on any Powermat- no plugging and unplugging

Slim, sleek, formfitting design

Flip top for easy removal

Allows micro USB access for sync

First Impressions

What you see is what you get. The Receiver Case is made of the kind of plastic that some may describe as “cheap”. As for the form factor, it gets the job done with the proper holes and indents that won’t hinder any iPhone 4 functionality. It’s made with a matte black finish with the all-important apple connector at the bottom which will connect the iPhone to the receiver unit that allows the wireless charging.

Turning to the underside reveals a simple Powermat logo and a hinge made up of a rubber strip that allows you to insert an iPhone 4 onto the case. As to how effective this rubber hinge would be is detailed in the review.

Product Specifications

Color: Black

Product Weight: .25 lbs.

Receiver Output Voltage: 18VDC

Max Output Current: 1A

Operating Temperature Range: 0-40°C

Receiver Dimensions: 0.5″ x 2.4375″ x 0.90625″

Review

Let us first say this right off the gate, this is marketed as a “receiver case”, not explicitly as a “protective case” as other products of the same type would be. And given that this gives off a “cheap plastic” feel as mention in our first impressions, you might be disappointed if you intend to use this as a protective case. Putting your iPhone in the Receiver Case is a matter of flipping the top portion of the case which is connected through the rubber hinge as mentioned earlier. Now this may provide an easy way for attachment but this might also present a design problem as the phone is technically being held by the Apple connector other than the case’s form. There might be chances that the top portion may be accidentally flipped that can lead to accidents with your device. Although that might be said, proper handling of the phone+case would prevent such occurrences.

Like the Powercube Universal Receiver, you can easily take advantage of the wireless charging system by simply placing it on top of a Portable Mat and you’re good to go. Charging rate using this case is the same as when you’re using any other compatible receiver. With that said, the major — if not the only — advantage of having the Receiver Case is that you’ll be able to simply place your smartphone on top of the mat without having to attach any connectors and the like.

Final Thoughts

The most probable question you’ll be asking when deciding to purchase this is “Do I really need a dedicated wireles receiver for my iPhone 4”? Let’s try to spell things out. First, if you buy a Portable Mat set, you’ll probably get an Apple connector as many would probably be using this for their Apple devices. Second, as this is specifically made for an iPhone 4, the usability of this accessory is definitely limited by the specific device that is houses. There’s also the issue of having to use this as your protective case. All in all, we can say that for practicality’s sake, you don’t need to buy a separate case for your iPhone 4 if you just want to take advantage of Powermat’s wireless charging system. Being priced at $40 doesn’t help either. So to conclude this, we suggest that you could just stick to the included receiver and use the Apple connector or better yet, buy the Power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery instead.